Focus returns to core investment banking; Bajpai claims synergies from merger

The US bank’s succession planning is turning into a bad joke. But it still has time to get the punchline right by looking outside for its next leader.

No money lost on trading, bank says; Uncertainty may hit hiring plans

The bank’s results reveal the benefits, and not the drawbacks, of mixing retail and wholesale banking.

Other financial firms face hard times; Stock market continues to tumble

When everyone agrees everything’s alright, we’ve a classic sign of a bubble.

The Russian government has launched a charm offensive in preparation for the sovereign to return to the international bond markets after an absence of more than a decade.

Bankers look forward to big deals in 2010; But some deals are underperforming and being pulled

The financial markets rally cannot be maintained because there is no way we can go back to the bubble economy of the past that was gorged by excess leverage. Far from being unwound, this has been sustained by governments.

The financial crisis might be the making of hedge funds. Institutional investors will change the industry for the better by demanding onshore structures, independent administration and greater transparency. Mainstream financial centres should see this as an opportunity and ditch the fatuous parts of proposed regulation.

Brazil’s government is a victim of its own economic success.

The US authorities’ approach to curbing bankers’ remuneration is ill-judged and inequitable.

DDR and Fortress provide a glimmer of hope for commercial real estate.

A glut of IPOs and bank capital demands means treasurers and investors alike need to steer carefully in giddy Asia.

Leverage concerns suppress loan, bond options; Well-capitalized firms will have pick of best targets

Caps placed on debt capital markets business; Unlikely to influence RBS revenues

Electricity firm without chairman and CEO; Infrastructure investment plans challenged

Business could win from others’ vulnerability; Reputational damage will be tough to repair

Insurer skirts close to capital limits; CDS liabilities could rocket

More tier 2 issues expected; Capital-raising to support loan growth

Equities performing well; Brazil looks frothy

Bullish outlook on the economy; Credit growth could reach 20%

Two million new customers up for grabs; Boost for credit markets

This year’s Felaban conference, held in Miami in November, attracted nearly 2,000 bankers to discuss how well Latin America has come through the financial crisis. Keynote speakers at the Latin American federation of banks meeting included Roberto Setúbal, chief executive of Itaú Unibanco, and Rick Waugh, president and chief executive of Scotiabank.

Successful issues in debt and equity markets; State sales key to covering budget deficit

DBRS increases market share, expands in Europe; Fitch gains investor approval from re-remics decision

HSBC loses ground; Banamex perplexes rivals

Compensation could become a sore point if 2010 fails to turn into the FICC bonanza many bank heads seem to be expecting.

It’s the year that just keeps giving for fixed-income traders. But the growing intensity of the race to exploit this state-sponsored boom suggests that there will be significant disruption when the FICC festive season ends.

First deal since 2007; Car distributor reopens market